New Chevys

[farmboy12]

I know the chevys aren't big news anymore, but has anyone towed with a new 3500 w/ a duramamax? We have a 2003 chevy 2500hd vortec, but will be stepping up soon. Thanks.


P.S: I mainly posted this because I was excited about my new account.

[Todd_C]

I read an article in Consumer Reports at the beach house we were in this July. Seems the Chevy won the contest between the Dodge and the Ford in the 3500 class trucks. The article said the Chevy got the best MPG at 18 (not towing). The Chevy did well towing a 10k trailer. I believe it was the fastest truck when towing the trailer from start to 65mph. The article ranked the Dodge a close second and the Ford last. The article said the Ford was the heavist truck by almost 1,000 pounds and it got the least MPG of the three.

I still would not discount the Ford. There were a few problems with the emission junk on the early 08 6.4 trucks but from reading on www.thedieselgarage.com, a new software update from Ford has helped the Ford in MPG.

[TheDingy]

I am biased now but a few years ago I only towed with a Dodge and now tow with the new Duramax. They have more power than any of the others out of the box and get great fuel mileage. We just got a new 09 and it is even stronger than the 08's for some reason. They will pull 30k with ease with good fuel mileage, on average the trucks we use are towing 95% of the time and when we get rid of them they show about 13.5 MPG with various drivers who are not fuel conscious. They always tow either a four horse trailer(always loaded), six horse trailer(always loaded with more than 4 horses), a dump trailer (14k empty, 28k full), or our tractor trailer 32ft two car hauler with a mahindra 6025 on back.

If you want to know anything about them, or want a good deal on one PM me when you are looking.

-Linn

[Diamondpilot]

Not to start a fight here but I am biased to the Fords. I will admit the GM products have a great engine, tranny, and drive line but I feel they lack in the chassis dept. My neighbor has a 2007 3500 4x4 Chevy D-max and its hands down ten times better then the 2004 2500 D-max I had. He gets about 21 on the highway and 11 towing his 36' 5th wheel at 65mph. My opion is its not holding up as good as my 06 PS Ford F-350 but then again I am biased. All in all its a nice truck. Just watch the GVWR on the one you get. They make them with different spring packages. Not sure about GM but on a Ford 1 ton you can get 7 different spring packages. So what I am saying is one 1 ton may not be as strong as another one sitting right next to it on the dealers lot.

Chris

[bdeboer]

[quote=farmboy12;1497437]I know the chevys aren't big news anymore, but has anyone towed with a new 3500 w/ a duramamax? We have a 2003 chevy 2500hd vortec, but will be stepping up soon. Thanks.


I haven't towed with the 3500 Ton but have the 2500 '08 3/4Ton with DMax that replaced a 2002 3/4Ton 6.0L Suburban and love the new truck currently at 11000 miles.

[George2615]

I had a 2002 1/2 ton EC 4x4 w/ gas engine and tow about 8K. It was basically a dog. I was not happy with 9 MPG towing and only 15.5 MPG empty. In 05, towing capacity was the same whether 3/4 or 1T and I didn't need a dually so I upgraded to a 3/4 ton EC 4x4 w/ Duramax and was happy at 20 MPG empty and 14.4 towing. Traded it in for an 07 3/4T EC w/ Duramax and saw a MPG reduction of 15.5 empty and back down to 10 towing. Took it back to the dealer who checked everything out and could only attribute the lower mileage to the DPF (diesel particulate filter) that was added to the exhaust system in 07. (I wish I'd have kept the 05).

I can't speak for the new 09 3/4 or 1T as far as MPG but can guarantee you would be happy going to a diesel truck over a gas truck for towing. As far as I'm concerned a diesel can't be beat for towing and mileage while towing is better than a gas model. Late next year when I trade in my 07 for a 2010 I hope they've improved the mileage back up to 20 or more while empty.

[3RRL]

I have the same 08' 2500HD Duramax 4x4 as bdeboer.
I've made at least 20 trips towing 7,500 up over the Grapevine to my property in Cal and lots of empty runs now. I consistently get 15mpg towing and running empty over 19. It's got plenty of power to accelerate up the grades. I too love the truck. I just wish diesel would come down in price.

[farmboy12]

I am only 13 and will not be the one buying, but have been contracted to find out as much info. as I can. You guys have been great! Thanks so much for all the quick replies. I think this enough info. for me, but if anyone has more that would be great! Thanks again!

[Builder]

I have a '07 3500 DMAX and mainly tow a 12K trailer. I love the way it pulls a load.
Awesome low end torque from the DMAX and a driveline built for the towing professional.

[allen in texas]

Sounds like you need to change your handle to Farmboy13.


I love seeing a young man interested in trucks and tractors.